Former Nickelodeon Star Drake Bell Shares Abuse Experience in New Docuseries
In a shocking revelation, former Nickelodeon child star Drake Bell has come forward to share his account of abuse he experienced while working in the entertainment industry as a minor. This disturbing revelation is part of a new docuseries titled “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV,” which aims to shed light on the hidden truths behind the glamorous world of children’s television.
The recently released clip from the upcoming series shows Bell, now 37, taking a seat as he prepares to speak. This will be the first time he publicly shares the story of the abuse he suffered at the hands of Brian Peck, his former dialogue coach. Peck was convicted in 2004 for his crimes against Bell and was ordered to register as a sex offender.
The docuseries, produced by Investigation Discovery, is set to uncover the dark side of the entertainment industry that often remains hidden from the public eye. Investigation Discovery is owned by Warner Brothers Discovery, the parent company of CNN.
CNN reached out to representatives for Peck and Nickelodeon for comment, but no response has been received so far. Peck, who is also an actor known for his roles in TV shows and films such as “Good Burger” and “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody,” was arrested in 2003 and later convicted after pleading no contest to lewd acts with a child. Court records reveal that he was also convicted of oral copulation and sentenced to 16 months in prison.
The arrest of Peck took place approximately two years after the abuse occurred, as stated in a news release from the Los Angeles Police Department. At that time, the victim’s identity was not disclosed.
Drake Bell rose to fame through his appearances in various film and TV projects before gaining widespread recognition for his role in Nickelodeon’s hit show “Drake & Josh” from 2004 to 2007. This revelation of abuse adds a dark layer to Bell’s journey in the entertainment industry.
In a recent episode of their podcast, ABC’s “Boy Meets World” stars Danielle Fishel, Rider Strong, and Will Friedle reflected on their own interactions with Peck when he guest-starred on their show years ago. The trio, joined by therapist Kati Morton, discussed the difficult subjects of grooming, childhood sexual abuse, and their effects on victims. They revealed manipulative tactics employed by Peck, which led them to believe that he was the one being victimized. In court, they initially supported Peck against the abuse victim and their family, a decision they now deeply regret.
“Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV” is set to premiere across two nights, Sunday, March 17, and Monday, March 18, on Investigation Discovery. This groundbreaking docuseries aims to expose the hidden truths and shed light on the disturbing reality behind the seemingly innocent world of children’s television. It serves as a reminder that even in the glitz and glamour of showbiz, darkness can lurk beneath the surface, affecting the lives of those involved.